China Travel Guide

For thousands of years China has been shrouded in mystery and
intrigue, and foreigners still find it difficult to penetrate the
inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic nation. However,
since the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing showcased some of its
most spectacular attractions, there has been a major increase in
travellers exploring this vast and exotic destination. There is a
great deal to discover in the Middle Kingdom, the world's most
populated country (over 1.3 billion citizens), and also the third
largest in the world.

What makes China attractive as a travel destination,
particularly for Western tourists, is its unique culture and
ancient antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements
and the dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors await exploration
and there are plenty of adventures to be had along the legendary
ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road. The Forbidden Palace,
Great Wall of China, and the Terracotta Army of X'ian are just some
of the incredible attractions to be seen in this ancient Eastern
empire.

The People's Republic of China has been under a communist
government since 1949, but is currently undergoing a boom in social
and economic development with a great emphasis placed on tourist
facilities and infrastructure. Now China is opening the doors to
its wealth of historical and cultural treasures and visitors are
flooding in to be amazed and awed.

Organised tours are still the favoured way to explore China, but
independent travel is slowly becoming easier. The major cities,
like Beijing and Shanghai, are modern metropolises offering fast
food and glitzy stores alongside centuries-old historical buildings
and traditional eating houses. Archaeological wonders vie with
amazing architecture in the interior, while majestic mountains and
remote monasteries crown the northern areas. With all to marvel at,
this country would take several years' worth of holidays to explore
properly!